EFFINGHAM —
It’s been four years since the Green Lantern restaurant burned down, and now the only remaining vestige of an era gone by has left its post along U.S. 40 where it has been for half a century.
The large neon sign that welcomed customers to the locally owned restaurant was taken down Friday after Altamont native David Cornell bought it.
Cornell has a particular interest in the porcelain sign. He is president of Monitor Sign Service in Mattoon, which restores such signs, and for the last 20 years, he has seen the value in old business signs increase significantly.
“These signs are getting rarer and rarer. Once in a while, I’ll come across one and restore it. It’s a nice piece of history,” he said.
Vintage signs like the Green Lantern sign have been brought into the spotlight in recent years with television shows like “American Pickers,” “Pawn Stars” and “American Restoration.”
A lot of the signs have stayed in relatively good condition because they were well made, according to Cornell, and the Green Lantern sign is no exception.
“It’s in good condition. It’s an old style no one makes anymore,” he said. “It’s really beautiful. They just don’t make them like that anymore.”
The company has worked on the sign over the years, and Cornell has memories of it having been to the restaurant many times.
Once the sign is restored, Cornell is hoping he will find a permanent home for it.
“It would be nice to find a local home,” he said.
However, Cornell is unsure where it’ll end up.
“Who knows, I may display it for myself,” he said.
Cathy Thoele can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 126 or cathy.thoele@
effinghamdailynews.com.
Local News
Related Photos
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Workers permanently remove the Green Lantern sign Friday afternoon. The sign will be restored for sale. Cathy Thoele
Discussion
End of an Era
Historic sign taken down to be restored, sold
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